How to arrive in style for your big day

Monday

May 24, 2010 at 12:01 AMMay 24, 2010 at 7:13 AM

Brides and grooms agonize over the details of their wedding — what they’ll serve, how they’ll decorate, what their attendants will wear — but they often give too little thought to one of the most fun and memorable aspects of the big day: getting there in style. Darcey Lohman, a wedding planner for Big City Bride in Chicago, offers some fun options.

Karen Sorensen

Brides and grooms agonize over the details of their wedding — what they’ll serve, how they’ll decorate, what their attendants will wear — but they often give too little thought to one of the most fun and memorable aspects of the big day: getting there in style. Darcey Lohman, a wedding planner for Big City Bride in Chicago, offers some fun options.

Ciao, mama!

Conjure up “Roman Holiday” memories by renting a Vespa. It’s romantic, inexpensive (only about $40) and you won’t have to return it until the next day, says Brad Stone, general manager of Eaglerider Motorcycle Rental in Boston.

Flying high

Consider making your reception exit James Bond-style via helicopter. It may be easier than you think, as long as the landowner agrees and the weather cooperates. Atlanta Helicopter Charter charges $800 for an hour.

Old-fashioned wheels

If you’re in a city where carriage rides are part of the tourist trade, rent a horse-drawn buggy to get you to the church on time. Chicago Horse & Carriage charges $650 for the first hour, and $90 for every hour after that.

Let’s party

Rental limousines have fallen out of favor because getting in and out of them can be tricky, Lohman says. Instead, couples are choosing trolleys or party buses because they’re easy to board, hold a lot of people and beverages can be served, she says.

Go green

Another budget-friendly choice that’s also good for the environment is rickshaws and pedi-cabs — plus they make for great photo opportunities, Lohman says. Check out www.ibike.org/economics/pedicab-usa.htm for rental companies.